by Lamiat Sabin

PROTESTERS will march today in Bolton in support of two university staff that they claim were wrongly sacked over newspaper stories about the vice-chancellor’s spending.

Damien and Jennifer Markey, both active union members, lost their jobs after Bolton University financial arrangements were exposed, even though it has been confirmed that they were not the source.

A Times Higher Education article stated that the university lent Professor George Holmes £960,000 for a new house. He has since left his job in unknown circumstances. Up to £100,000 was also spent on staff away days to the Lake District.

Mr Markey was the course leader in special and visual effects and his wife Ms Markey was an academic administrator. Last week the university rejected appeals against their dismissal.

Thousands of supporters have already signed a petition calling for their reinstatement.

The University and College Union (UCU), which is representing Mr Markey, its regional branch secretary, said it has instructed its lawyers to take up the case.

Ms Markey is being represented by Unison, which will be challenging the dismissal and is co-organising the rally.

Demonstrators will assemble from 10.30am in a car park by Queen’s Park to march to the town hall for a protest that is expected to start at noon. Speakers will include TUC regional secretary Lynn Collins.

UCU north-west regional official Martyn Moss, who will also make a speech, said: “The way Bolton University has treated the Markeys has been disgraceful from the very start.”

Bolton University Students’ Union said: “We believe the sacking is a vindictive act against trade union members.
“We cannot allow our staff members to be threatened for standing up for what they believe in.”